David Scott Portnoy, born on March 22, 1977, is an American businessman and social media personality renowned for founding Barstool Sports, a widely recognized sports and pop culture blog and digital media company.
Since its inception in 2003, Portnoy has grown Barstool Sports from a small print publication to a formidable online presence, influencing sports media and entertainment through his unique and often controversial approach.
You can follow Dave Portnoy’s net worth, income, career earnings, achievements, wife, career overview, and more here.
Dave Portnoy’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Dave Portnoy has a net worth of $150 million.
His earnings come from his income as a businessman, social media personality, endorsements, and other sources.
Earnings
Dave Portnoy’s career earnings are closely tied to the success of Barstool Sports, the digital media company he founded in 2003.
Initially a print publication, Barstool Sports became a significant online presence under Portnoy’s leadership, becoming a major sports and pop culture media player.
A pivotal moment in Portnoy’s financial trajectory came in 2016 when The Chernin Group acquired a majority stake in Barstool Sports.
In January 2020, Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming) purchased a 36% stake in Barstool Sports for $163 million, which valued the company at $450 million.
Additionally, Portnoy has engaged in stock trading and has been vocal about his investments, which may also impact his financial status.
Endorsements
Here are the critical points regarding Dave Portnoy’s endorsements:
- Barstool Sports Partnerships: Barstool Sports, founded by Dave Portnoy, offers advertising, sponsorships, and partnership opportunities, indicating a broad approach to endorsements and collaborations across various platforms and verticals, including sports, lifestyle, entertainment, and more.
- Influence on Businesses: Portnoy’s “One Bite” pizza reviews have significantly impacted the businesses he reviews, as seen with Sauce and DeLorenzo’s Tomato Pies.
- Product Launches: Portnoy has successfully launched products like One Bite Pizza, leveraging his social media influence and Barstool Sports’ platform.
- Hair Transplant Endorsement: Portnoy publicly endorsed Leonard Hair Transplant Associates after undergoing a hair transplant procedure, sharing his positive experience and contributing to the clinic’s visibility.
- Partnership with DraftKings: under Portnoy’s leadership, Barstool Sports entered a multi-year sports betting partnership with DraftKings.
- Rumble Partnership: Barstool Sports announced a partnership with Rumble, which will provide users with access to all Barstool content on the platform.
- SafeMoon Cryptocurrency: Portnoy made headlines by endorsing SafeMoon, a cryptocurrency, showcasing his influence in the digital currency space and ability to attract attention to specific investments.
About Dave Portnoy
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | David Scott Portnoy |
| Nickname | El Presidente |
| Birth Date | March 22, 1977 |
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
| Birthplace | Swampscott, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Jewish |
| College | University of Michigan |
| Current Net Worth | $150 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Ex-Wife | Renee Satherthwaite |
| Instagram Profile | @stoolpresidente |
Born on March 22, 1977, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, David Scott Portnoy has become a prominent figure in the business and social media landscape.
His early life in Massachusetts laid the foundation for a career that would later see him become a leading figure in digital media and philanthropy.
Early Life
Portnoy attended Swampscott High School, where he was an avid sports enthusiast, playing baseball and football.
He was exceptionally skilled in baseball, playing as an outfielder and achieving notable success, including winning the triple crown in his junior year.
His high school baseball team won the state championships during his sophomore year 1993.
Portnoy’s early life also included his father’s introduction to gambling at the age of 10, which would later influence his career in sports media and betting.
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After high school, he attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in education in 1999.
Career
After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in education, Portnoy moved to Boston and began working at Yankee Group, an IT market research firm.
His tenure there lasted four years, during which he nurtured an interest in creating a platform that combined sports, gambling, and pop culture.
In 2003, Portnoy founded Barstool Sports as a print publication distributed in the Boston metropolitan area.
Initially focused on sports and gambling, the publication quickly gained popularity for its irreverent and unfiltered approach to sports journalism.
Recognizing the potential of digital media, Portnoy transitioned Barstool Sports to an online platform in 2007, significantly expanding its reach and content offerings.
In 2016, The Chernin Group purchased a majority stake in the company, and in 2020, Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming) acquired a 36% stake for $163 million, valuing the company at $450 million.
In a surprising turn of events, Portnoy bought back Barstool Sports from Penn Entertainment in 2023 for a nominal fee of $1, following Penn’s decision to partner with Disney’s ESPN and rebrand as ESPN Bet.
Ex-Wife
Dave Portnoy’s ex-wife is Renee Satherthwaite, also known as Renee Portnoy. The couple got married in 2009.
Renee Satherthwaite is known for her involvement in equine welfare and animal rescue, a passion that has been a significant part of her life.
They have maintained a friendly relationship despite their divorce, which was finalized in 2017.
Age
He is 47 years old.
Height
He stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches.
Nationality
Dave Portnoy is an American national.
Career Achievements
Dave Portnoy’s career is marked by several significant achievements and contributions to digital media and philanthropy.
Here are some of his notable career achievements:
- Founding Barstool Sports: Portnoy founded Barstool Sports in 2003 as a print publication before transitioning it into a digital platform. The site had become a significant player in the sports media industry, known for its unique blend of sports coverage, pop culture commentary, and humor.
- Philanthropic Efforts: Portnoy has used his platform for various charitable causes. Notably, he launched the Barstool Fund in December 2020 to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund raised nearly $42 million, providing financial assistance to numerous companies across the United States.
- Social Media Influence: Portnoy has amassed a massive following on social media platforms, where he shares sports-related content, stock trading, and personal opinions.
- Investments and Business Ventures: Beyond Barstool Sports, Portnoy has diversified his investments, including real estate and stock trading. He is also known for his interest in cryptocurrencies and launched a watch company, Brick Watch Company, in 2022.
- Legal and Public Advocacy: Portnoy has been involved in legal actions to defend his reputation and business interests. In 2022, he filed a lawsuit against news publisher Insider for publishing stories alleging sexual misconduct against him, although he dropped the lawsuit in February 2023.
- Content Creation and Personality Development: Portnoy has cultivated a distinct persona known as “El Presidente,” becoming well-known for his unapologetic and bold attitude. His content creation, including the “One Bite” pizza review series, has contributed significantly to his popularity and Barstool Sports’s popularity.
- Media Appearances and Collaborations: Portnoy has appeared on various media outlets, including Fox News’ business segments, where he discusses topics ranging from sports to stock trading, further establishing his presence in the media landscape.
FAQs
1. Who is Dave Portnoy?
Dave Portnoy is an American entrepreneur, internet personality, and founder of Barstool Sports, a media company focusing on sports, pop culture, and lifestyle. Known as “El Presidente,” he gained fame for his candid persona, pizza reviews, and controversial opinions. He has also ventured into stock trading and philanthropy.
2. How did Dave Portnoy start Barstool Sports?
Portnoy launched Barstool Sports in 2004 as a free sports and gambling newspaper distributed in Boston. Over time, it evolved into a digital media empire with blogs, podcasts, and videos. The brand gained popularity for its humor, irreverence, and appeal to young male audiences.
3. What is Dave Portnoy’s net worth?
Dave Portnoy’s estimated net worth is around $150 million. His wealth primarily comes from the sale of Barstool Sports to Penn Entertainment and subsequent investments in real estate, stocks, and other ventures.
4. Why did Dave Portnoy buy back Barstool Sports?
Portnoy repurchased Barstool Sports for $1 after Penn Entertainment shifted its focus to a partnership with ESPN. The deal allowed him to regain control of the company without restrictions from gambling regulations.
5. What is the “One Bite” pizza review series?
Portnoy’s “One Bite” pizza review series involves him rating pizzas from various restaurants with the tagline “One bite, everybody knows the rules.” It has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of fans and even celebrity guest appearances.
6. What philanthropic efforts has Dave Portnoy been involved in?
Portnoy has contributed significantly to various causes. Notably, he launched the Barstool Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising over $39 million for small businesses. He also donated $277,000 to an animal shelter in 2024 and raised $1.5 million for a fallen NYPD officer’s family.
7.Why is Dave Portnoy still technically married to Renee Portnoy?
Despite separating in 2017, Dave and Renee remain legally married due to shared financial arrangements. Renee has access to his finances through a joint account, which played a role in their decision not to finalize their divorce.
8. What controversies has Dave Portnoy faced?
Portnoy has faced criticism for controversial comments on topics like unionization and allegations of sexual misconduct. He has also been accused of promoting sexist content on Barstool Sports. Despite this, he maintains a loyal fan base and frequently defends his actions publicly.
9. What role does gambling play in Dave Portnoy’s life?
Gambling has been central to Portnoy’s career and personal interests. From promoting sports betting through Barstool Sportsbook to participating in high-stakes wagers himself, gambling remains a significant aspect of his brand.
10. How does Dave Portnoy influence stock trading?
Portnoy gained attention for his unconventional stock trading style during the pandemic, often live-streaming trades based on trends rather than analysis. His influence caused spikes in certain stocks but also drew criticism for encouraging risky investment behaviors among followers.
